Reduce the mortality and morbidity resulting from the misuse of opioid drugs.

Assist individuals to achieve successful withdrawal from opioids.

Reduce episodes of illegal and other harmful drug use.

Reduce crime associated with opioid use.

All aspects of service provision are aimed at reducing harm to the individual, the family/whanau and the community.

The Opioid Substitution Treatment offered should:

Suppress opioid withdrawal and craving.

Not induce sedation or euphoria.

Maintenance doses are individualised to assist the patient to achieve their negotiated treatment goals.

Any increase/decrease in dose should be based on a clinical assessment, including a serum methadone or suboxone level if appropriate (see Serum levels).

To achieve these aims the service focuses on:

Delivering person-centred, services that are both accessible and acceptable to patients.

Maintaining a partnership approach with patients.

Adopting a motivational rather than confrontational approach.

Adopting prescribing practices that are evidence and strengths based.

Supporting planned withdrawal from methadone or suboxone when appropriate.

Patient confidentiality and privacy are maintained in accordance with relevant legislation and patient consent is obtained in line with the requirements of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer Rights Act 1996.